This review has been updated 6 times since it was first published in January of 2021. Whether you’re a competitive swimmer or you’re just looking to keep an eye on your heart rate during a casual dip in the pool, these fitness trackers can provide all the data you’re after. We’ve included a variety of models from top brands, many of which are, essentially, smartwatches, while others strap to different parts of the body to monitor your pulse.
8. Fitbit Flex 2
The Fitbit Flex 2 is about as unobtrusive as it gets, so you don’t have to worry about it slowing you down too much in the water. It doesn’t have any kind of readout other than its LED indicators, but that might be enough for some.
- Recognizes workouts automatically
- Connects to a great app
- No onboard gps tracking
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7. Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro
The Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro comes in large and small sizes, which will help ensure that it fits properly, so its sensors can give you the most reliable readings possible. Spotify users can easily download their favorite playlists.
- Uses under armour apps
- Gps route mapping
- Band isn’t durable enough
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6. Moov HR Sweat
Instead of using an uncomfortable chest strap or a potentially inaccurate wrist-based device, the Moov HR Sweat places its pulse sensors in a headband. That adds an extra function to this selection, as it can help keep hair out of your eyes.
- Fits under swim caps
- Designed for both men and women
- Removable monitors are easy to lose
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5. Garmin HRM-Swim
If pinpoint accuracy is important to you, you might want to consider the Garmin HRM-Swim, which is a chest strap heart rate monitor that you can pair with your smartphone to keep an eye on your stats, or connect with one of the company’s capable watches.
- Stores 20 hours of data
- Very little underwater drag
- Band is comfortable
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4. Polar Vantage V
Instead of simply relying on LEDs to monitor heart rate, the Polar Vantage V also utilizes bioimpedance electrodes situated right next to those diodes. It accurately lets you know if you’ve exceeded your target zone and have begun to overreach.
- Comprehensive aquatic metrics
- Up to 40 hours of use per charge
- Too few ancillary features
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3. Garmin Forerunner 935
Triathletes who want to keep an eye on health data both in and out of the water will appreciate the versatility of the Garmin Forerunner 935. It manages to pack an incredible amount of features into a body that weighs just 49 grams.
- Runs non-fitness-related apps
- Measures maximal oxygen uptake
- Chest strap also available
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2. Fitbit Versa
One of the most impressive things about the Fitbit Versa is that its battery can last for more than four days, even with the bright, clear display that this model offers. and It can store approximately 300 songs for you to enjoy during your workouts.
- Water-resistant to 50 meters
- Nfc chip for wireless payments
- Health tracking data for women
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1. Apple Watch Series 4
The Apple Watch Series 4 is perhaps the most refined smartwatch on the market, offering everything from cellular connectivity in the absence of your phone to EKG recordings that can keep you and your doctor up to date about your heart’s health.
- Incredibly fast processor
- Accelerometer fall detection
- Case is under 11 millimeters thick